Michelle Chapman , NCPS

Michelle Chapman NCPS is a counsellor based in the United Kingdom. She set up Athena Counselling and brings a down-to-earth, non-judgemental manner to sessions. Michelle uses her background and personal interests to create a relatable space for people who feel overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, low mood or self-doubt.

She offers practical conversation and gentle challenge to help clients make sense of what is happening now. Sessions focus on understanding patterns, identifying small changes, and building everyday coping tools. Michelle describes herself as integrative and draws on a range of evidence-based therapeutic techniques to suit each person.

Michelle trained over several years while working in other roles before making counselling her main focus. Her practice has developed to include work with gaming and geek culture, which she uses where it helps clients express themselves and relate to their experiences. She has three years of professional experience recorded.

Clients often come with concerns such as relationship difficulties, grief, addictive behaviours, or struggles with identity including LGBT and women’s issues. Michelle also works with eating, intimacy-related problems, anger, and trauma and abuse alongside more everyday stresses.

Her style is conversational and collaborative. She pays attention to attachment, body image, feelings of emptiness, and the effects of prejudice or discrimination. Those seeking help will find a therapist who aims to listen, reflect back, and work with them to set realistic next steps.

Evidence-based approaches and online access

Michelle uses an integrative approach that draws on well-established therapeutic techniques to fit each person. One common strand is talking therapies that focus on identifying unhelpful thought patterns and developing practical coping skills; this helps with anxiety, depression and stress. Another element she brings is work on attachment and relational patterns, which looks at how early relationships shape current ways of relating and can help with intimacy, jealousy and relationship strain.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. Michelle will discuss options and try different ways of working based on your goals, preferences and what feels useful. This collaborative process allows adjustments as therapy progresses so methods match your needs.

Online therapy gives practical flexibility. Video calls let you speak face-to-face; phone sessions can fit into a short break or suit people who prefer not to be on camera. Live chat and text-based messaging are useful for brief check-ins, ongoing support between sessions, or when typing feels easier than speaking. These options make it simpler to arrange regular appointments around work and daily life, and to keep continuity even when schedules change.